About TPLA Experience Tech UAE

The global theme park industry has continued its post-recession attendance growth at a healthy rate of 4 percent for the top parks globally. Even recognizing the significant differences between regions, the signs are positive for continued sector growth. The UAE has identified tourism as a long term revenue source in a post-oil based economy. Investment has been made in new theme park, leisure and attractions to draw domestic and international visitors to the country. The UAE’s theme park revenue is expected to increase by 78 per cent to USD 837 million in 2019 from USD 470 million this year.

Theme parks in the UAE are preparing to accommodate an increase in tourist numbers ahead of Expo 2020 to drive revenue growth at their destinations. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are set for even more theme parks to welcome 18 million visitors by 2021, meaning a growth of 70 per cent. Based on an estimated UAE resident and international visitor catchment market of 22.5 million people in 2015 after excluding domestic tourists, the potential demand for theme parks would bring more than 5.6 million visits from the existing market.

Testimonials

The conference offered a real opportunity for networking and sharing different experiences, talking about existing challenges and possible solutions from industry leaders, solution providers and suppliers

- Park Manager, Dreamland Aqua Park

Inspiring! Very well organised and a great line-up of speakers

- Team Leader, Operation Management, Wild Wadi Water Park

It was definitely a worthwhile event to join. I very much enjoyed the informal part to discuss the developments and trends with colleagues from the industry, mainly in the UAE

- General Manager, SKIDATA Middle East L.L.C

Great organisation and great speakers from our industry sharing best practices. Also a fantastic opportunity to meet other colleagues, learn from each other and discover new business opportunities. Definitely, I recommend to attend future events

- Digital and e-Commerce Director for Europe, Parques Reunidos Europa

Excellent! The conference offered the opportunity to interact with other Theme park and technology professionals that allowed us to share information and views about the challenges/opportunities and the way forward

- Sales Manager, Dreamland Aqua Park

It is informative, you get new updates and meet new contacts

- Business Development Manager, Emaar Entertainment

The conference acts as a bridge that connects themed attractions in the leisure & entertainment industry

- Operation Manager, Al Itharah Amusement Center

It is definitely important to meet, share ideas and know about new applications

The country’s theme park revenue is expected to increase by 78 per cent to US$837 million in 2019 from US$470m this year

Based on an estimated UAE resident and international visitor catchment market of 22.5 million people in 2015 after excluding domestic tourists, the potential demand for theme parks would equate to more than 5.6 million visits from the existing market

With the Expo 2020 and the multiplication of projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by 2020 Theme parks in the UAE have the potential for more than 18 million visits by 2021, according to experts, that means more than Hong Kong (15 million). Meaning that the UAE has the potential to become a serious rival to the theme park world leader Orlando by 2021

Investment in TPLA supports Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020, which under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum sets the guidelines for Dubai to double its annual visitor numbers from 10 million in 2012 to 20 million in 2020, and increase the economic contribution of the tourism sector

Rides & Attractions ManagerThorpe Park Resort

Philipp Heindl

General ManagerSKIDATA Middle East L.L.C

Peter Pauwels

Director of Strategic Marketing V&H Barco

David Willrich

PresidentThemed Entertainment Association (TEA)

2017 Sponsors & Partners

The ACM Interface+ Format

The ACM Interface+ conference format is designed to optimise the valuable and finite time our busy delegations can dedicate to being out of the office while also enhancing their enjoyment of the ACM on-site experience. Specifically tailored to our region of operations here in the Middle East, the Interface+ format maximises networking opportunities, facilitating the building of profitable relationships within the context of a dynamic, efficient and relevant learning environment.

ACM conference days, using the Interface+ format, have an earlier start than conventional agendas and conclude with a late lunch. The conference sessions are regularly punctuated by refreshment and networking breaks to allow for unhurried face-to-face interaction between peers, colleagues and business prospects. The mid-afternoon conclusion of our formal conference agenda allows for government representatives and busy executives to adjourn earlier in the day, having still enjoyed a full and rich programme of content. Post-lunch, ACM will offer additional, optional learning and networking opportunities in the shape of workshops, product demonstrations, technology launches, site visits, pre-arranged 1-2-1 business meetings and hosted receptions.

Interface+ makes timing sense for our delegates and business sense for our sponsors.